Scientists & Inventors · 21st Century
Spirit Mars Rover’s Last Words
“Sending final status transmission.”— Spirit Mars Rover, March 22, 2010 (last contact)
Who Was Spirit Mars Rover?
NASA's Spirit rover landed on Mars in January 2004 alongside Opportunity. It operated for over 6 years, far exceeding its 90-day planned mission.
The Final Moments
Spirit became stuck in soft soil in 2009 and was unable to move into a favorable winter position. Contact was lost in March 2010.
Are These Words Verified?
NASA's Spirit rover last communicated March 22, 2010. Mission telemetry records exist, though 'Sending final status transmission' is a paraphrase, not an actual transmission text.
Sources
- archive NASA JPL mission logs
- archive NASA Mars Exploration Program records
Legacy
Spirit discovered evidence of past hydrothermal activity on Mars, suggesting volcanic activity mixed with water in the planet's ancient history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Spirit Mars Rover’s last words?
“Sending final status transmission.”
How did Spirit Mars Rover die?
Spirit Mars Rover died on March 22, 2010 (last contact). Cause of death: Power failure (stuck in soft soil).
Were Spirit Mars Rover’s last words documented?
NASA's Spirit rover last communicated March 22, 2010. Mission telemetry records exist, though 'Sending final status transmission' is a paraphrase, not an actual transmission text.
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